President of the National Dialogue Party, MP Fouad Makhzoumi, visited Saudi Ambassador Walid Bukhari, accompanied by a delegation of members of the National Dialogue Forum and prominent figures from the Beirut Gathering. Discussions focused on the situation in Lebanon and the latest developments in Lebanon and the region, particularly the war in Gaza amid the strongly condemned Israeli massacres, as well as the resulting repercussions for southern Lebanon and its residents and the political and economic situation in the country.

Makhzoumi said that he briefed His Excellency on the activities of the Beirut Dialogue Forum and the Beirut Gathering, which aim to promote the capital’s advancement in various fields, including development, education, culture, and the economy. The meeting included discussions during which the delegation praised the Kingdom’s efforts to support Lebanon across all sectors and highlighted the historic ties between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon.

Makhzoumi recalled the five initiatives and diplomatic frameworks generously put forward by the Kingdom, which constitute a fundamental pillar and provide Lebanon with an international safety net. These include the Jeddah Declaration, the Gulf Initiative, the New York meeting, the joint Saudi-Egyptian statement, and the joint Saudi-Qatari statement. These efforts reflect the Kingdom’s desire to help Lebanon recover and fulfill the aspirations of its people.

In this context, Makhzoumi stressed that had Lebanon signed the 22 projects with Saudi Arabia in 2018, the Lebanese economy would have doubled in size instead of shrinking by half.

Those present emphasized the importance of the Kingdom’s strategic vision, under the patronage of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has established a successful and pioneering model for Saudi Arabia on all fronts. They highlighted Saudi Vision 2030 as one of the most significant achievements that have elevated the Kingdom to international prominence.

The attendees also stressed that all segments of Lebanese society hold the Kingdom in high regard. Ambassador Bukhari reaffirmed to them that Saudi Arabia would not cease helping Lebanon and its people, emphasizing that the Kingdom has not abandoned Lebanon and will never do so.

Makhzoumi reiterated that the foremost concern for Lebanese officials is ending the war in southern Lebanon, particularly given its adverse social and economic repercussions for the country. Approximately 100,000 Lebanese people have now been displaced from their homes in the south. He stressed that the priority must be to keep Lebanon out of any conflict and implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.

Makhzoumi also called for efforts to stop the relentless bloodshed in Gaza, emphasizing the need to protect civilians, especially children and women, amid this devastating war. He added that, despite all the prevailing circumstances, the election of a President of the Republic must be expedited, with the support of the five-nation group, in which Saudi Arabia plays a key role.